The fans were filmed standing in front of the banner that read: "Thanks for the memories but it's time to say goodbye."

After the 1-0 win over Norwich on Saturday, Wenger apologised to supporters and revealed that he reckoned fans were displaying more “disappointed love than aggression” after another trophyless season.

He admitted his hurt feelings at the protests – and feared they would be worse. It was more than belated PR speak. It was public couple counselling with only the whispered tones of agony aunt Claire Rayner missing.

“I give my best for this club,” he said. “You don’t spend 19 years at a club – like Sir Alex Ferguson spent 26 – without (giving) every minute of your time, you give your whole life for that and try to do as well as possible. One target is to keep 100 per cent of people happy. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to do that this season.”

Wenger, who arrived at Highbury in 1996, was told he could yet reach 26 years. “No, no, never,” he smiled. “Don’t worry.”